Turkey and the Soviet Union During World War II

Reviews / Votes

This book offers a long needed and captivating revision of Turkish foreign policy during the Second World War. Onur Isci deftly weaves a continent-spanning narrative and breaks new archival ground with rich details of Turkish diplomats' successful efforts to survive the catastrophes brought about by Soviet and Nazi aggression. * James Ryan, Associate Director of the Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies, New York University * In Turkey and the Soviet Union During World War II, Onur Isci revolutionizes our understanding of Turkey's wartime strategy. So far from exploiting the "leverage of the neutral" to gain back territories lost in the First World War, as others have suggested, the truth is that Turkish statesmen, imperiled in every direction, used all their cunning simply to survive. This is a fascinating tale of intrigue, espionage, betrayals and double crosses. * Sean McMeekin, Francis Flournoy Professor of European History, Bard College * The complexity of Turkey's international diplomacy, and in particular its relations with the United States and Russia, has always been lost amid Western hand-wringing over "losing Turkey." Onur Isci's deftly written, lucid historical work not only provides a meticulous account of Turkey's relationship with the Soviet Union, but an expansive and necessary history of early Turkish foreign policy in general. Turkey and the Soviet Union During WWII is a vital read for anyone trying to understand one of the world's most misunderstood regions. * Suzy Hansen, author of Notes on a Foreign Country *